I am trying to find out who wrote a song I taped from the radio a number of years ago, and which I presume is from the east coast. Unfortunately, I don't know what it's called or who sings it, but the first verse is as follows:

"First October leaves turning gold and silver, from the leaning willow rim that rises and falls, and far and wide, driven from their harbour, come the grey feathered wings to catch and to call."

Six years on, and fifteen since my original query, I've found it. It isn't from Newfoundland after all, but is by Stanley Greenthal from Seattle. You were right Caitlin, it is called Shoal Water, and is on the 1990 album All Roads. Thanks.